plant-based

American  

[plant-beyst] / ˈplæntˌbeɪst /

adjective

1. relating to or being a food consisting entirely or mainly of whole or minimally processed plant parts, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds: the health benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle.

   plant-based burgers that taste like meat;

   the health benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle.

2. relating to or being a medicine, fuel, etc., made from plants or plant matter.

---

Etymology

Origin of plant-based

Coined in 1980 by Thomas Colin Campbell (born 1934), U.S. biochemist

Example Sentences

Next is competition — Rival food companies quickly rolled out their own plant-based fares to try to ride Beyond Meat’s coattails.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

Researchers at the University of Chicago have uncovered a surprising new role for zeaxanthin, a plant-based compound best known for supporting eye health.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

The plant-based protein company delayed its earnings report at least twice in March, saying it identified errors in previously issued financial statements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The plant-based protein company reported a drop in fourth-quarter revenue and said it wouldn’t file its annual report on time due to weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

I went through a vegan phase in high school, back when soy reigned supreme in the plant-based aisle.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026